Blood / Lianne La Havas

Sultry soulful UK singer/songwriter/guitarist Lianne La Havas released her critically acclaimed debut "Is Your Love Big Enough" in 2012. Since then, she's become friends with, and featured on the last album of none other than Prince. Her new album "Blood" appears largely unaffected by that encounter, but different from her first. Largely gone is the light folky touch and in its place is a groovier heavier sound. Opening cut "Unstoppable" sets the tone for much of the album, a slice of dewy Marvin Gaye-esque soul. "Who's that girl, and does the mirror world go on forever?" she inquires on the horn-flecked "Green And Gold", lyrics that touch on the confusion her mixed heritage brought while growing up. With a voice capable of moving from a breathy whisper to a powerful belter as on the tender acoustic to fiery "Grow" or "Midnight" (laced with triumphant horns and hip hop beats), each of the ten tracks is special. "Tokyo" is a moody groove with heavenly harmonies and a mournful/squealing guitar break, while the dreamy "Wonderful" is aptly titled, adorned with finger-snaps, sprinklings of strings and reverbed percussion. "Never Get Enough" is the surprise on the album, a delicate acoustic affair sporadically interrupted with bursts of fuzzy guitar and disembodied vocals giving an indie rock feel. Closing is the hymnal and folky "Good Goodbye". Sends pleasant chills running through the blood. Another winner from La Havas. ~ Nse Ette

Price: $18.98